China grants rare earth export permits after US trade talks, offers relief but uncertainty persists

China has approved “a certain number” of export permits for rare earth elements and related items, its commerce ministry spokesman said on Thursday. The move comes a day after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Beijing would supply to the U.S. companies the minerals and rare-earth magnets following a two-day trade talk in London. Export controls of the minerals apparently eclipsed tariffs in the latest round of negotiations between Beijing and Washington, after China imposed permitting requirements on seven rare earth elements in April, threatening to halt production of cars and robots around the world. Details from the trade talks are yet to be released, but the talk is giving businesses some relief — for now.